how to recognize SSD compatible with M2 socket?

williamrichardson
williamrichardson Member Posts: 1 New User
edited December 2021 in Aspire Laptops

I recently purchased the chromebook. Unfortunately, the purchased configuration includes only 2.5 500GB HDD, which is not enough for me. I absolutely need to put an additional SSD in this laptop, on which I will be able to store, among other things, the operating system. This computer is equipped with two storage slots - SATA II and M2. Unfortunately, I have never used M2 drives before, so the topic is a bit problematic for me. I naively tried to mount into this computer an M2 drive I had at home - unfortunately, it had too long dimensions (80mm) so I had to resign from this solution.

This laptop is designed to mount M2 drives with a length of 60mm. I did some research on the web and getting an M2 drive of exactly that size is virtually impossible. In addition, I was surprised by the multitude of different versions of drives, so I'm completely unsure which one to equip to make sure that it will work. However I have a few unused mSATA drives, so I decided to buy a mSATA->M2 converter, hoping that I can mount a second drive this way.

In my opinion, the important information from the specifications of such a converter is: An adapter allows you to connect a mSATA mPCI-e SSD to a laptop socket with an M.2 NGFF connector Support for M.2 NGFF in formats 2280, 2260, 2242, and 2230 with key B or with keys B+M The adapter allows the user to use mSATA SSD as standard on a laptop or desktop with M.2 NGFF connector The adapter does not support Mini PCI-E (PATA), 1.8" Micro SATA, and Airbook SSD

The mSATA drives I own are: SAMSUNG SSD PM851 mSATA SK HYNIX SC210 MSATA

Will plugging any of them into this converter allow me to use them on this laptop?

Answers

  • kanewilliam911
    kanewilliam911 Member Posts: 1 New User
    AFAIK, mSATA ssd's will not fit because they screw in differently than M.2, are generally wider, and use a different slot. Why not get something like a Crucial MX500 1TB and replace the hard drive completely?
  • ttttt
    ttttt Member Posts: 1,947 Community Aficionado WiFi Icon
    @williamrichardson

    I agree with @kanewilliam911, as your M.2 slot is not M-key slot, it is for mSATA only. Your best choice will be to replace the existing 500 GB HDD with a 2.5" SATA3 SSD up to 2TB for improved performance.
  • Erick-Acer_Retired
    Erick-Acer_Retired Member Posts: 503 Seasoned Practitioner WiFi Icon

    Hi @ williamrichardson
    Please mention your model name of unit